Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 29 National Highway projects in Mangalagiri on Saturday. The projects, worth over ₹5,233 crore, cover a total length of 272 km and aim to significantly boost connectivity and infrastructure across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Gadkari said, “Aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these projects are designed to eliminate accident-prone black spots and railway crossings, reduce transportation costs, strengthen last-mile connectivity in rural and tribal areas, and decongest key urban centres such as Tirupati, Nellore, and Rayachoty—thereby positioning Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of India’s growth story.”
Highlighting India’s improving logistics landscape, Gadkari said that road infrastructure upgrades have brought logistics costs down from 16% to 10%, with a target of 9% by December 2025. This reduction is expected to double exports and boost employment opportunities. He also noted that the length of National Highways under NHAI in Andhra Pradesh has grown by 120% – from 4,000 km in 2014 to 8,700 km in 2025 – reflecting the government’s focus on infrastructure-led economic growth.
Among the key projects inaugurated was the Madanapalle to Pileru stretch of NH-71, which has been transformed into a modern 4-lane corridor spanning 56 km at a cost of ₹1,994 crore. The upgrade includes 9 flyovers, a rail overbridge, 19 major bridges, 5 vehicular underpasses, and 10 local underpasses.
Similarly, the Kurnool to Mandlem section of NH-340C has been upgraded to a 4-lane road with paved shoulders over 31 km, featuring one flyover, 4 viaducts, 3 local underpasses, and a minor underpass, at a cost of ₹858 crore.
Foundation stones were also laid for 27 additional projects aimed at enhancing connectivity across Andhra Pradesh. These projects will improve access to key religious destinations such as Tirupati, Srisailam, and Kadiri, as well as tourist spots like Horsley Hills and Vodarevu Beach. Additionally, seamless connectivity to economic hubs including Sri City, Krishnapatnam Port, and Tirupati Airport will be established.
Union Ministers Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, along with MPs, MLAs, and senior officials were also present at the event.